Synonym suggestions not working.

Question

Hope you’re well.

I’ve run into a bit of an issue with my licensed copy of Microsoft Word 2019. For some reason, it’s stopped suggesting synonyms. The suggestion box appears with no suggestions, its blank. Also, when i highlight a word, right click on mouse, select search the word, a box appears, notifying me "to enable this experience, go to file, account, account privacy". It wont allow me access when i click account privacy. Even installed extension thesauras, does not work. The other alternative i'm given, is to buy office 365.

The software is definitely activated properly, and I’ve tried restarting it.

Could you help me figure out:

Answer 1

I take it you are not getting this response to a right-click on a selected word:

File > Account > Manage Privacy Settings

What happens if you start Word in safe mode?

https://support.office.com/article/dedf944a-5f4b-4afb-a453-528af4f7ac72

Is the list now appearing?

This is a diagnostic step, not a way to regularly use Word.

Answer 2

Hi @Soultrainn

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.  

As I understand, you're facing a problem with your licensed copy of Word 2019 where the Thesaurus feature is not working and shows a blank suggestion box. Furthermore, when you try to use the 'Search' function, it displays an error message directing you to "Account Privacy," a settings page you are unable to access.

To be honest, in my environment we don’t use Office 2019, we use Microsoft 365. So, if possible, could you provide a screenshot of the error message. Additionally, it's important to note that this community forum primarily provides support for Microsoft 365 products. Please make sure to blur or cover any personal information, I'll need this additional information to try and reproduce the issue you are experiencing on a similar setup. 

Thank you in advance. I look forward to your reply. 

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